CATCHING Synonyms: 407 Similar and Opposite Words

catching 1 of 2

adjective

ˈka-chiŋ

as in infectious

capable of being passed by physical contact from one person to another a cold is often catching before the symptoms even begin

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Relevance

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as in spreading

exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others a catching smile that instantly puts patients at ease

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catching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of catch

as in grabbing

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly we tried to catch the kitten before she could sneak out the door

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as in getting

to become affected with (a disease or disorder) you'll catch the flu for sure if you don't get a shot

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as in stopping

to bring (something) to a standstill I caught myself just as I was about to step into the freshly poured concrete

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as in securing

to put securely in place or in a desired position caught back her hair with a barrette

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as in knowing

to have a clear idea of I didn't catch the point you were making about our nation's foreign policy

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as in tricking

to cause to believe what is untrue a number of media outlets were caught by the woman's hard-luck story

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as in encountering

to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face I'll catch you at the library tomorrow

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as in noticing

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes I looked out the window just in time to catch the neighbor's dog digging up my flower bed

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as in chasing

to move fast enough to get even with despite the suspect's considerable lead, the fleet-footed police officer was able to catch him and make an arrest

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

falling short

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of catching

Adjective

That group also posted the third-fewest defensive runs saved (-21) in the majors as well. Catcher Jesus Rodriguez, acquired in the Camilo Doval trade, is now the leading candidate to become Patrick Bailey’s backup catcher for next season, but the Giants will likely continue to add catching depth. —

Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 21 Nov. 2025 With Thanksgiving around the corner, Charlotte airport officials are expecting a busy holiday period with nearly 2 million passengers arriving and catching flights, starting Thursday. —

Chase Jordan updated November 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Nov. 2025

Verb

After revealing their secret to Hagrid, Harry and Ron decide to play Quidditch their way — by sharing the broom and catching the snitch together. —

Staff Author, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Jan. 2026 Before catching the ball, Siakam set a screen for Andrew Nembhard in a pick-and-roll. —

Jay King, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catching

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching

Adjective

His infectious enthusiasm for books opened doors to other roles, like being named the new host of Reading Rainbow and the resident librarian at PBS.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Dustin — a fan-favorite from the very first episode because of his infectious optimism and unapologetic nerdiness — is no exception.

— Andrew McGowan, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026